Environmental Services Laboratory

Organics Prep & Extraction

In the Organics Prep/Extraction lab, scientists prepare water and soil samples for semi-volatile gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. Among the many chemicals of interest are polyaromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), PFAS and 6-PPDQ. The City is required to monitor these chemicals of concern in stormwater, sediments, and industrial discharges. 

In this lab: 

• Samples are prepared by extracting chemicals of concern from water, soil and sediment; organic compounds are extracted using an organic solvent that isolates these chemicals. 

• After chemicals of concern are extracted from the matrix (the phase in which the chemicals reside e.g., water, soil, or sediment), they are concentrated and prepared for GC/MS, GC/FID, GC/MS-MS or LC/MS-MS analysis. 

Semi-Volatiles Analysis

In the Semi-Volatiles Analysis lab, scientists analyze samples for semi-volatile organic compounds such as pesticides and herbicides, and compounds found in plastics, shampoos and oils. The lab monitors more than 200 compounds that are known or suspected to be harmful. Results from these analyses help determine pollution loading to regional waterways and helps investigators identify potential pollution sources so they can be addressed and controlled. 

In this lab: 

• Specific organic chemicals regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Ecology are identified and quantified using state-of-the-art high precision instrumentation. 

• Gas and Liquid chromatographs equipped with highly sensitive mass spectrometers are used to identify and measure a vast array of organic chemicals that can be toxic or harmful to humans and the environment. 

• Scientists can identify and measure various petroleum products to aid in source identification and hazard assessment. 

Volatile Organics Analysis

In the Volatile Organics Analysis lab, scientists study and analyze volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in samples. VOCs are chemicals that volatilize (or evaporate) when they are exposed to air, and can affect our health and the environment. These compounds are found in a variety of everyday products, from dry erase markers, cosmetics and perfumes to industrial and construction materials. VOCs can remain in groundwater until they biodegrade. VOCs migrate with the groundwater and can enter drinking water wells. 

In this lab: 

• VOCs are identified in various types of samples such as soil, stormwater, wastewater and sediment. 

• A Mass Selective Detector (the MS part of the GC/MS) is used to break a chemical into fragments. Since each chemical breaks apart differently, the fragmentation pattern or chemical “fingerprint” is used to identify and quantify the compounds of interest by comparing the “fingerprint” to a reference library of known chemicals. 

Conventionals Analysis

In the Conventionals Analysis lab, scientists perform over 30 different analyses that provide key information about water quality and soil composition. Information about turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient content are important indicators scientists use to monitor and assess water quality. Scientists also test for the presence of cyanide, oil and grease, and biochemical oxygen demand, in municipal and industrial discharges. 

In this lab: 

• State-of-the-art instrumentation allows scientists to measure nutrients at very low concentrations with a high degree of precision and accuracy. 

• Information vital to understanding water quality and ensuring compliance with various environmental regulations for conventional chemical analysis stems from the data generated in this laboratory. 

Metals Prep & Analysis

In the Metals Prep and Analysis lab, scientists analyze surface water, groundwater, wastewater, soil, sediment and sludge for more than two dozen potentially toxic elements. While some metals are essential nutrients and are important trace elements necessary for a healthy ecosystems (e.g., calcium, magnesium, and zinc), they may be harmful at high concentrations; other metals (e.g., arsenic, lead, and mercury) are toxic even at low concentrations. Results from this lab are compared to regulatory limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Washington State Department of Ecology, and the City of Tacoma. By measuring these metals, contaminant sources can be identified, monitored and assessed to ensure the environment is protected from adverse impact. 

In this lab: 

• Samples are subjected to strong acids, heat and pressure in order to dissolve any metals that are present. Dissolved metals samples are analyzed using specialized instrumentation to identify and quantify metals that may be present in the samples. 

• Concentrations of metals in soil and water are evaluated against project objectives and regulatory limits. 

• Identifying specific metals in samples can help trace the origin of pollutants and provide key insight about the health and condition of the environment. 

FAQs

How long does analysis take?

Some analyses we do are very quick (like pH) and can be done in a matter of minutes. Other analyses are very complex (like PAH and PFAS)  and take many steps: drying, sieving, extraction and cleanup steps can take up to a week, and then it takes another week to analyze the sample and all of its associated quality control samples, then we write a report about our findings. For a job with multiple samples and analyses, we typically take 3 weeks from receiving the samples to providing our clients with a final report. 

What about PPCPs?

Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products – The ES laboratory specializes in analyses that are required by our Federal, State and local regulators to stay in compliance with our permits. We do not routinely test for PPCPs, as they are not permitted targets. 

Can residents send in their own samples?

No. Residents are encouraged to use any of the local environmental analytical laboratories for their own samples. 

Who do I contact for a tour?

We are happy to provide tours to schools and small groups.

Please email Tiffany Ryan if your group is interested.

Tiffany Ryan

Email: TRyan2@Tacoma.gov